CLUB
I Like It Like That |
Written 22 February |
Friday 12 December, 00:00Batofar, 75013 [map]
From highly specialised record shop in
Daddy Kool's basement to record label, film publisher and general global latin music force,
Mr Bongo is now recognised as one of the leading components of latin music worldwide. Their recent re-issue of
Fania material, accompanied by a sparkling array of remixes (
DJ Format,
Bugz In The Attic, Louie Vega,
Quantic,
Sinden, Bonde De Role, 4 Hero...) has revived one of the most exciting periods of latin dance music with original tracks from Ray Barretto, Hector Lavoe and Celia Cruz amongst others.
We caught up with Mr Bongo man Graham Luckhurst (AKA
Greymatter), who not only answered our carefully posed questions but gave us this exclusive
Mr Bongo Soundsystem DJ Mix!
How do Mr Bongo's hip hop and dance sides fit with the classic latin side?
Agreed - the music is very diverse on the label. Essentially its all held together by its overall quality (we like to think) and that's about all, to be honest.
How do you think the Fania catalogue fits with club/dance music post-1980?
'Nuyorican' music of this nature was some of the music that people went out to dance to in the late 60's and early 70's primarily in the Bronx in New York. It is massively energetic, rhythm driven dance music so in that sense its exactly the same as the music played in clubs today, if not more so due to its live, fresh and raw nature. The Fania catalogue is also heavily sampled, recently most notably by producer DJ Premier on Christina Aguilera's album - the drum and horns combination is timeless sonic blend that is unlikely to ever fade.
Is Mr Bongo a global phenomenon or do you find more receptive audiences in certain regions?
Our biggest territories are France and the USA. France has a very strong network of radio stations that support 'world' (forgive the genre pigeon hole) music. This massively increases the exposure our, and other similar labels music has, thus increases sales and popularity.
How is Mr Bongo involved with Street Angels?
David Buttle, the founder of Mr Bongo, founded Street Angels UK in 1994 after previous trips to Dona Aurora in Salvador, during the first of which he donated his remaining holiday money to the project to help them build a vital wall. They stayed in touch and the project has developed into an efficient grass roots network with support spanning Canada, Brazil and the UK.
The charity itself was founded in 1988 in Canada by Canadian social worker Miriam Ulrych along with Luiz Barbosa, and Josefa Santos. The original aim was to keep as many children as possible off the streets of Salvador
What is Mr Bongo's favourite drink?
Mojitos or Yorkshire Gold Tea.
Does Mr Bongo have any pets?
Yes indeed: Lily the Dalmatian (Brazilian, of course).
| What: | I Like It Like That |
| When: | Friday 12 December, 00:00 |
| Where: | Batofar, Face au 11, quai Francois Mauriac 75013 [map] |
| Transport: | Quai de la gare/Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand |
| Cost: | 12EUR |
| Phone: | 01 53 60 17 30 |
| Email: | programmation@batofar.org |
| Web: | www.batofar.org |
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